University of Cincinnati Libraries Strategic Plan 2011-2014

Mission | Vision | Core Values | Strategic Directions | Strategic Plan Document (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) | Strategic Plan Update Presentation, August 2, 2012 (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Mission

The mission of the University of Cincinnati Libraries is to provide outstanding research collections, responsive service, intellectually stimulating learning environments, and innovative instruction to enable the University to achieve its comprehensive mission of teaching, learning, research, health care, and community engagement.

Vision

The University of Cincinnati Libraries aspire to be an outstanding academic research library system that exceeds the expectations of our students and faculty. We will transform the UC library user experience by providing access to world-class collections and dynamic and inclusive physical and virtual library spaces, and by achieving full integration into the teaching, learning, research, and health care goals of the University.

Core Values

The faculty and staff of the University of Cincinnati Libraries are committed to the following values in the delivery of library resources and services to the University of Cincinnati community.

SERVICE
We value quality, user-centered service that anticipates and meets the information needs of the University of Cincinnati community.

SCHOLARSHIP
We are leaders in the acquisition, delivery, organization, and preservation of scholarship. We foster the free exchange of ideas to advance teaching, learning, and research and value our role in the creation and discovery of knowledge.

STEWARDSHIP
We believe in being responsible stewards of our collections and facilities through sound planning, transparent accounting, sustainable practices, environmental responsiveness, and ongoing assessment.

COMMUNICATION
We practice and support open, clear, and honest communication at all levels. We encourage the regular and consistent exchange of ideas and information.

COLLABORATION
We transform ideas into actions through relationships, teams, and partnerships that support critical thinking, risk-taking, and innovation in an environment of global engagement and rapid technological change.

RESPECT
We recognize and respect the diverse contributions, backgrounds, skills, and needs of all individuals and provide an inclusive environment promoting full participation and access.

INTEGRITY
We hold ourselves and each other accountable and take responsibility for our work and actions and follow through on our commitments.

ETHICS
We are committed to the principles of the library profession exemplified in the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association and the Medical Library Association’s Code of Ethics for Health Sciences Librarianship. We practice and support compliance with all state, national, and international laws that govern patron records, copyright, and licensing of information.

Strategic Directions

#1 - AUTHORITATIVE, SCHOLARLY CONTENT

Goal: Provide outstanding research and information resources to enable UC students and faculty to excel in their intellectual endeavors.

1. Align collection development strategies with the academic goals and priorities of UC2019, including the library targets of 4M volumes and ARL rank of #45. [IN PROCESS. VOLUMES EQUAL 4.3 MILLION; RANK #67 FOR 2010/11]
2. Optimize access to resources through increased collaboration with OhioLINK and its member libraries.
3. Enhance discovery of collections and resources through technological pathways, for example LibGuides, further implementation of Summon, and other options. [IN PROCESS. INTRODUCED SUMMON IN 2011 AND CAMPUS GUIDES IN 2012. VARIOUS CATALOG PERSONALIZATION EFFORTS BEING EXPLORED AND IMPLEMENTED]
4. Accelerate transition from print to digital formats.
5. Implement fully operational and publicized institutional repository. [IN PROCESS. TASK FORCE REVIEWED NEED, SCOPE AND REQUIREMENTS OF A REPOSITORY AND HAS ISSUES A REPORT FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION]
6. Increase digitization of special collections. [IN PROCESS: CONTINUED TO SEE EXTERNAL PROJECT FUNDING. SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSAL TO DIGITIZE THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CINCINNATI SUBWAY COLLECTION.]
7. Establish digital preservation program.
8. Collaborate with other OhioLINK members to achieve optimal storage and access to lesser used materials.

#2 - INTEGRATION INTO TEACHING, LEARNING, RESEARCH, AND HEALTH CARE

Goal: Re-envision the delivery of library services to students and faculty.

1. Exploit technology to establish new communication and service pathways to students and faculty based on their needs and expectations.
2. Increase library support for online education programs. [IN PROCESS. TASK FORCE ISSUED A REPORT WITH SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS]
3. Collaborate with OhioLINK to expand access to online textbooks.
4. Create sustainable and point-of-need online tutorials.
5. Expand the practice of the embedded librarian concept.

#3 - LIBRARY FACILITIES

Goal: Create flexible, diverse, and technologically innovative learning environments that foster collaboration among students and meet individual, quiet study needs.

1. Complete Langsam 4th floor initiatives: STRC, renovation and improved study space in Government Documents/Reference area. [IN PROCESS. STRC AND SPINE RENOVATION TO BE COMPLETED IN SEPT. '12; GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS/REFERNCE AREA RENOVATIONS TO BE COMPLETED SOON]
2. Increase group and quiet study areas in college and departmental libraries.
3. Increase effectiveness of available user space in Langsam, for example by converting 5th floor faculty carrels into student group study rooms.[COMPLETED. 11 NEW GROUP STUDY ROOMS OPENED IN FALL '12]
4. Reduce structural or technological barriers that limit the ability to use portable technologies.
5. Complete Libraries’ ten-year master plan with Architect’s Office. [COMPLETED]

#4 - TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Goal: Explore, implement, and promote new technologies that improve access to resources and library services.

1. Expand mobile access.
2. Explore additional methods for the delivery of library resources and services.
3. Increase and coordinate the Libraries’ presence on appropriate social networking tools. [IN PROCESS: INCREASED NUMBERS OF BLOG ENTRIES, ADDED FEED TO FACEBOOK, CREATED TWITTER PAGE. COORDINATED THROUGH COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE]
4. Investigate options for library user customization.

#5 - ASSESSMENT

Goal: Ensure library user input into decision making about collections, services, and facilities.

1. Develop an assessment plan for the Libraries. [COMPLETED]
2. Conduct LibQUAL+ survey every other year and establish target benchmarks. [COMPLETED SPRING '12]
3. Conduct focused library assessments. [IN PROCESS. EXPANDED INFO COMMON SURVEY AND CONDUCTED E-BOOK USAGE SURVEYS IN CEAS AND HSL]
4. Use multiple methods to assess the Libraries’ virtual presence. [IN PROCESS. FORMED WEB ANALYTICS GROUP AND USABILITY GROUP. ADDED CRAZY EGG TO ANALYTICS TOOLS]

2007-2009 UC Libraries Strategic Plan is available online.